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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The Charlotte City Council has rejected the General Assembly's move to give day-to-day operations of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport to a new commission and contends a letter from the Federal Aviation Administration backs its position.

The letter, combined with the city's hardening position, could mean an extended legal fight over the airport.

The city will seek an injunction Thursday against the legislation that transfers operational control from the city.

Mayor Patsy Kinsey said the city is waiting for the court decision before deciding its next move.

"Regardless of what happens, the Council and I are committed to ensuring Charlotte remains one of the lowest-cost, best-performing airports in the country," she said.

This is the latest development in the battle over control of the airport.

Republican lawmakers have been trying to strip Charlotte of the airport it has run for more than 70 years.

Just two week ago, the N.C. General Assembly transferred the country's sixth-busiest airport and US Airways hub to a regional authority. But a judge blocked the move hours later in response to a city lawsuit. The airport's longtime director was ousted and officials fear bonds will be declared in default.

The state House and Senate voted Friday to restore the airport to the city's ownership but gave day-to-day operations to a new commission including representatives from five surrounding counties.

In a letter to the city, the FAA said it has concerns about the recently passed bill that lets the city own the airport while a new commission runs it.

The federal agency said that until it makes a decision, the city remains the airport sponsor, meaning it still runs the airport for now.

City Attorney Bob Hagemann said the FAA's letter is consistent with the city's argument against the state's efforts to transfer control of the airport.